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In Diplomacy
In Diplomacy was launched in 2016 to cater to the diplomatic community in Singapore and after 28 issues, launched its own webpage. The initiative came based on the feedback of a need for “consolidated source of information” that will help the diplomatic community reach more “Institutions and Singaporeans. (Read the Dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps Here).
To send in your articles, press releases or events, please email, edit@sunmediaonline.com/ nomita@sunmediaonline.com
What is Diplomatic Mission?
A Diplomatic Mission is a group of people that represent one state or international intergovernmental agency in another state. Missions are a resident representation in the host country. It could also be a non – resident permanent Mission to a few countries.
What is Embassy?
An Embassy is a permanent diplomatic Mission and is headed by Ambassador or High Commissioner. The office of an Ambassador is called an Embassy. Missions between Commonwealth countries are called High Commissions.
What is Letter of Credence?
An Ambassador represents one head of state to another and the Ambassador’s letter of credence are addressed by their head of state to the head of state of the host country.
What is the role of Diplomatic Mission?
* Protection of the interests of the home country and its citizens in the host country.
* Negotiation with the government of the host country.
* Reporting and Monitoring the conditions and developments in the commercial, economic, cultural, and scientific life of the host country.
* Promoting friendly relations between the host country and the home country.
* Developing commercial, economic, cultural, and scientific relations between the host country and the home country.
* Issuing passports, travel documents, and visas.
History of the Dean
According to Historian, Garrett Matingly, the diplomatic corps originated in Rome, which from the middle of the fifteenth century was the ‘chief training school and jousting field of diplomacy’. However, the origin of the term “diplomatic corps” probably dates back to 1754, when the Imperial Court of Vienna so designated the meeting of all diplomats accredited to it at that time.
The diplomatic body is embodied most obviously in its dean. This person is generally the longest serving member of the highest class of diplomat accredited to the country in question. He or she acts as a mouthpiece to the government of the receiving state on matters of professional concern, and also as the representative of the diplomatic corps on certain ceremonial occasions. In the Latin American countries, the role of dean of diplomatic corps is assumed by the “Apostolic Nuncio of His Holiness”, as ex officio dean, following the custom established by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, particularly in traditionally Catholic countries. However, in other countries, the dean is the head of mission that occupies first place in seniority among all resident Heads of Mission. The diplomatic body has its own meetings, which are presided over by the dean. He is often supported by a vice dean. In addition, he is generally advised by three or four ambassadors (preferably in different geographical areas) for various activities or actions.
The dean of the diplomatic corps has the authority to take the floor during meetings called by the host government to express opinions related to issues that affect diplomatic privileges or involve a serious violation of international law. The dean’s interventions are usually preceded by a meeting of the Heads of Mission, where various matters are aired followed by discussion on steps to be taken to resolve pressing issues.
The dean also guides newly arrived Heads of Mission to various aspects related to their functions in the receiving State and organises farewell event for departing Head of Mission.
About Singapore
The foreign diplomats present their credentials to the President of the Republic of Singapore, and subsequently work in coordination with Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by:
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Dr Vivian BALAKRISHNAN, Minister for Foreign Affairs |
The Other Ministers:
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Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osam, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Mayor, South East CDC |
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Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office & Second Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Why IN Diplomacy?
IN Diplomacy is a platform to highlight the many initiatives undertaken by the Embassies and High Commissions.
What is Diplomatic Corps
The Diplomatic Corps is the body of diplomats representing other countries in a particular state. In some countries, the longest-serving ambassador to a country is given the title Dean, or Doyen, of the Diplomatic Corps and is sometimes accorded a high position in the order of precedence. In New Zealand, for example, the dean takes precedence over figures such as the deputy prime minister and former governors-general
How are IN Diplomacy and Diplomatic Corps related?
In Diplomacy is an initiative by Sun Media Pte Ltd.
Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with 289 countries, and in the first phase of this website, IN Diplomacy will cover the activities of the 72 Diplomatic Resident missions in the island nation.
